Manchester United have moved to finalise their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, valuing the 22-year-old at £50 million following a season of fluctuating form at the Amex Stadium. While Brighton reportedly sought a fee as high as £100 million in early 2026, United are understood to be preparing a bid at half that figure, buoyed by the fact that personal terms were broadly agreed with the player during an initial approach in the summer of 2025.
The Status of Negotiations and Valuation Shift
According to reports from the Manchester Evening News, United have significantly lowered their internal valuation of Baleba to reflect his recent lack of consistent game time. After Brighton blocked a mid-season departure in January 2026, TEAMtalk reported that the South Coast club set a £100 million asking price to ward off winter interest. However, United view £50 million as fair value for the Cameroon international, whose market position has shifted lately.
The Athletic previously noted that a move to Old Trafford remains highly plausible given the groundwork laid last year. While the club prioritised offensive reinforcements including Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško last summer, the framework of a contract for Baleba remains in place. Speaking to Sky Sports regarding the speculation, Baleba expressed pride in the interest, stating that seeing his name linked with such clubs was a wish he held since childhood.
Baleba’s Performance and Hürzeler’s Selection
Despite his high ceiling and physical profile, Baleba has struggled to maintain a consistent starting role under Fabian Hürzeler. He has completed 90 minutes only three times during the 2025/26 campaign, leading to questions regarding his immediate tactical fit in Brighton's current system. This lack of continuity is a primary driver behind United’s refusal to meet Brighton’s previous nine-figure valuation.
Data from his limited minutes remains a bright spot for United’s recruitment team. Baleba continues to rank highly in ground coverage and ball recovery metrics. In a Brighton side that has rotated heavily in central areas, his ability to break lines through carries and regain possession in transition aligns with the physical profile Manchester United’s recruitment department has prioritised for their next midfield evolution.
Strategic Rationale for Midfield Overhaul
The pursuit of Baleba comes at a critical juncture for United’s squad construction. With Casemiro’s departure confirmed for June 2026 and Manuel Ugarte’s future at the club uncertain, technical director Jason Wilcox and interim manager Michael Carrick are seeking at least two central midfield additions. Baleba is viewed as a high-potential pivot partner for Kobbie Mainoo, offering the defensive range that the ageing squad currently lacks.
United are balancing several targets, with Sky Sports identifying Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson as alternative options should negotiations with Brighton stall. However, the £50 million price point is seen as a strategic necessity due to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR); having spent over £200 million on forwards in the previous summer window, the club lacks the flexibility for further £100 million outlays.
Next Steps in the Deal
The success of this move will depend on Brighton’s willingness to compromise on their earlier valuation. Having signed Baleba from Lille for approximately £23 million in 2023, a £50 million sale would still represent a significant profit for the Seagulls. Manchester United are expected to formalise their interest in the early weeks of the summer window to avoid a repeat of last year's protracted negotiations.
Should the clubs agree on a fee, the transition is expected to be swift given the previous dialogue regarding personal terms. United will then pivot to their secondary midfield targets to complete a total refurbishment of the engine room before the 2026/27 season begins.
